Childhood Friend of the Zenith Novel MTL - Chapter 875

Chapter 875

As the first light of morning crept in after a sleepless night, the grim mood lingered, and the day’s demands continued unabated.

The chaos unleashed by Cheonma had elevated the branch’s alert status to its highest level. Yet, the real issue was that despite heightened vigilance, no practical solutions were available.

This left only one path forward:

“Here to see the Branch Leader…”

“Paying a visit to the Patriarch of the Tang Clan…”

We had to ask for help. I had sent word to the Poison King, outlining the situation and requesting aid. Although his agreement came with several stipulations rather than wholehearted enthusiasm, he eventually consented.

Even so, the man was impressive. Had I been less cautious, he would have taken everything from me.

“At least he answered the call. He understands what’s in it for him as well.”

This arrangement also worked in the Poison King’s favor. The Tang Clan, carrying the weight of their forebears’ mistakes and long confined by their own seclusion, was now stepping forward at the Martial Alliance’s invitation.

Their participation alone brought considerable advantages.

“I’ve already arranged for the Open Clan to disseminate the news. It won’t be long before word spreads.”

This was also part of why Cheol Ji-seon had been working relentlessly, without rest.

“By year’s end, they will have regained their standing. While rejoining the Four Great Clans may be difficult, restoring their status as a prestigious house is nearly certain.”

The expertise possessed by the Tang Clan was unmatched, all but guaranteeing their eventual return to prominence.

“Iron and poison belong solely to the Tang Clan.”

While other clans might work with metal, incorporating poison into their craft was what set the Tang Clan apart. They had earned their position not through brute strength, but through sway and influence, much like the Moyong family.

“…Ahem.”

The Poison King seemed slightly uneasy, his eyes fixed on me. He appeared puzzled as to why someone other than Mok Ri-seon was now acting as branch leader.

“Oh, he’s dead.”

I stated it plainly.

“…What?”

“During my investigation, I found out he had been secretly working with the Celestial Stream Sect. So, I eliminated him yesterday and took his place.”

“…”

I offered him the condensed version, but his expression only grew more troubled. He stared at me as if I were utterly mad.

“Regardless, I am truly grateful for your support, Tang Patriarch.”

“…No, that’s… not the point here…”

The Poison King, who seemed ready to protest further, instead let out a sigh. He looked as if he wanted nothing to do with this situation, which was somewhat discouraging.

“Then, how should I address him…?”

“You may call him Branch Leader Shin. His name is Shin Dogyeom.”

“…Branch Leader Shin.”

“Yes, Tang Patriarch.”

This time, Shin Dogyeom appeared flustered. He had never imagined not only assuming the branch leader’s role but also speaking directly with the Poison King.

“As the Alliance requested, I have brought reinforcements. However, due to current circumstances, it is not a large contingent.”

As I listened, I watched the Poison King closely.

He was as shrewd as ever.

«Even now, he’s securing his position.»

The phrase “as the Alliance requested” was intentional. It subtly emphasized that the Tang Clan was acting on the Alliance’s orders, not on their own accord.

Moreover, “due to current circumstances” stressed that, despite their own struggles, they had come to aid the Martial Alliance.

«This man truly embodies what it means to lead a clan.»

The Poison King was not just a master martial artist—he was a born leader. As often happens in discussions between those in power, subtle maneuvering was inevitable.

The problem was—

«Ah, I am deeply thankful for your understanding.»

Shin Dogyeom, though undoubtedly virtuous, had no experience in these kinds of negotiations. The Poison King clearly noticed; his eyebrow twitched almost imperceptibly.

It was not a good sign.

“…If I may, as a form of compensation…”

The Poison King’s eyes sharpened as he began to speak. I clicked my tongue inwardly and cut him off before he could continue.

“We’ve already settled on clear terms as part of this agreement.”

“…!”

The Poison King’s face tightened as I interrupted abruptly.

“According to our arrangement, we have temporarily eased the unspoken trade restrictions on the Tang Clan within Sichuan. In exchange for your support, the Tang Clan will discreetly receive red spirit stones, collected under the pretense of hunting, for three months.”

“…”

The more I spoke, the more his expression twisted. His eyes blazed with a sense of betrayal.

«What is this man doing?»

He glared at me fiercely, clearly under the impression that I was on his side.

«Well, he’s not entirely wrong, but now is not the time.»

I had my reasons. Having placed Shin Dogyeom in the role of branch leader, I couldn’t allow him to be taken advantage of so easily.

“…I believe you’ve already reviewed the terms, Tang Patriarch.”

When I pointed this out, the Poison King seemed to reassess the situation and adjusted his posture.

“As the Star King has just stated, this was not originally part of our agreement.”

“Which part specifically?”

“An implicit understanding, by its very nature, lacks official recognition. Using it as a bargaining chip is unreasonable.”

While he admitted that the Tang Clan had been informally restricted, he argued that it couldn’t be held against them now.

The Poison King wasn’t incorrect, but—

“However, Tang Patriarch, public opinion is a force neither you nor the Martial Alliance can ignore. Furthermore, the implicit nature of the restriction was intended to reduce the Tang Clan’s losses should it ever be formalized.”

I held my ground. After several exchanges—

«…What is the meaning of this nonsense?»

The Poison King finally sent me a private message, unable to contain himself any longer.

«I have my reasons.»

«So, you intend to see this through?»

«Not exactly.»

I scratched my cheek lightly before responding.

«For now, just continue. I have a plan.»

I didn’t elaborate further, trusting that the Poison King would grasp my meaning.

“Do you wish to void our agreement, then?”

Just as expected, the Poison King immediately escalated, rising from his seat. I reached out to stop him.

“…Please, compose yourself.”

“Compose myself? I came here to offer assistance, and this is the reception I receive? It might be better to forget this arrangement entirely.”

Sigh.

I let out a quiet breath and glanced briefly toward Shin Dogyeom.

“…Then, Tang Patriarch, what is it you want?”

This was where I yielded slightly. My tone softened into one of concession. The Poison King paused, his narrowed eyes locked on me.

“Grant the Tang Clan access to the frontlines.”

“…?”

Now it was my turn to narrow my eyes.

“The frontlines?”

“Yes. I ask that you permit us entry, even if only temporarily.”

“Hmm…”

The frontlines were an area somewhat removed from Shanxi, primarily overseen by the Gu family. It was a place periodically visited by families aligned with the righteous faction.

For families with a sword division, it was both a duty and—

«A mark of prestige.»

Being permitted to the frontlines confirmed a family’s status within the righteous faction.

Especially now.

«I’ve heard the frequency of red-grade beasts has risen there recently.»

The appearance of red-grade demonic beasts had significantly altered conditions on the frontlines. The minimum strength required for martial artists to enter had increased, and the greater danger demanded a full reassessment of strategies and resources.

«So that’s his aim…»

I had wondered what the Poison King was truly after. Now it was clear—he was seeking legitimacy.

Though the frontlines were dangerous, they offered a chance to gain honor. And since the increased risk made it easier to justify to the Martial Alliance, it was a clever move.

However—

“…That lies beyond the jurisdiction of the Sichuan branch,” I said.

Especially concerning the Tang Clan, it wasn’t a decision I could make directly.

“I’m aware. That is why I am only asking you to relay the message.”

“Just relay the message?”

His intention was clear: the Tang Clan wished to return to the frontlines, and he wanted me to bring this request to the Martial Alliance.

«Unbelievable.»

The further we went, the more absurd it seemed.

«This man… has his strategy changed?»

It felt as though his demands had shifted since the start of our discussion.

«He’s speaking directly to me now.»

This wasn’t aimed at Shin Dogyeom or the branch—it was directed at me. Probably because he already knew.

«He knows that if I bring it to the Martial Alliance, they will listen.»

He was confident that a request from me would be approved. That’s why he was addressing me so deliberately.

«Clever fox.»

His daughter might bring to mind a lively squirrel, but the father was a truly cunning creature.

«I won’t let him have his way so easily this time.»

“…”

I paused, brushing the distracting thought aside before it led me astray.

«Maybe she’s not really like a squirrel after all.»

She wasn’t that guileless. In any case—

“…I will deliver your message.”

“Thank you.”

Agreeing to pass along the request wasn’t an issue. Truthfully, it was time for the Tang Clan to begin moving again, and this provided a convenient rationale.

Shin Dogyeom’s expression was difficult to decipher as he watched our exchange.

«Did he understand?»

There had been subtle plays within our conversation. I hoped he had grasped at least some of the Poison King’s intentions.

That was the very reason I had engaged in this drawn-out exchange.

“This has been a fruitful discussion.”

“I appreciate your flexibility.”

The Poison King stood, and I did the same. When Shin Dogyeom moved to follow, I stopped him—I needed to speak with the Poison King alone.

Once outside, the Poison King turned to me.

“Is he important?”

He was referring to Shin Dogyeom.

“No, not particularly.”

“Then why go to all this trouble?”

It seemed he had deduced why I staged the entire scene. I scratched my cheek and replied, “Since I forced him into the position, I felt responsible. Anyway, I appreciate your cooperation.”

“Branch Leader Shin… Shin Dogyeom, was it?”

“You intend to remember him?”

“I doubt I’ll forget.”

I had successfully imprinted Shin Dogyeom in the Poison King’s memory. As he considered this, I spoke softly.

“Oh, Patriarch.”

“Hmm?”

“The preparations for trade are almost finished. Once the supplies are ready, we will begin distribution. This includes the planned market openings.”

“…Is that so.”

“Yes. We are targeting the end of the year, but moving sooner would be preferable.”

“I’ll see what can be done.”

“Thank you.”

Once the Dokcheon Pill is completed, it will be formally announced. The Tang Clan will reveal they have perfected the pill once thought lost to history and will offer it for public sale.

The Dokcheon Pill, a miraculous elixir comparable to a Great Rejuvenation Pill, was once considered beyond value. Making it available for purchase would send tremors through the martial world.

«And if the Tang Clan returns to the frontlines…»

Regardless of their past transgressions, the Tang Clan would regain their former prominence.

«The only worry is the cost of producing the Dokcheon Pill.»

If even the Poison King was drained after creating just a few, how would they manage larger-scale production? It was a concerning thought.

«There must be a method…»

“Gu Yangcheon.”

“…Yes?”

The Poison King’s voice broke into my reflections. His next question took me by surprise.

“Is Cheonma strong?”

“…”

I froze at the unexpected query.

For a moment, I feared he had noticed something, as his daughter had. A chill ran down my spine.

“There has been much talk. I was curious, and concerned. Since you’ve faced him, I thought I would ask.”

Fortunately, that didn’t seem to be the case. Still, it was a difficult question to answer.

“…Strong, you say?”

«Do I call him strong?»

Objectively, yes. But saying it outright felt disingenuous. Denying it, however, would be a lie.

After a long moment of hesitation, I finally muttered, “…He’s strong.”

The Poison King nodded at my reluctant admission.

“I see. For you to say so with such hesitation, he must be truly formidable.”

“…”

It wasn’t hesitation—it was embarrassment. But he had interpreted it differently.

«Endure it. It’s not exactly false.»

Even if it wasn’t widely accepted yet, soon it would become undeniable.

Cheonma was strong.

Not merely strong—

«Cheonma is stronger than the Three Supremes.»

Soon, everyone would know that there was no one in this world stronger than Cheonma.

And I would make certain that truth was known far and wide.